A Proud day for the new O'Leathlobhair Clan Chieftain

THE 13th annual  O'Leathlobhair Clan Rally was once again very well attended, and the highlight of it was the crowning of the O'Leathlobhair clan chieftain on Saturday night.
Taking place over a three-day period the proceedings commenced with an under-14 hurling match between Colt and the visiting O'Leathlobhair contingent. Under the watchful eye of referee Paddy Breen, the game was a close encounter in which Colt emerged victorious.
The organisers wish to thank Abbeyleix GAA Club for the use of their facilities and the caretaker/referee for ensuring everything went to plan. A special word of thanks to the Ballypickas club for providing the jerseys for the O'Leathlobhair players and also to Tom Cahill and Nonie Wallace for their help.
After the match, the excitement switched to the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel for the presentations and where top-class entertainment, Fear an Tí Kevin Lalor Fitzpatrick, kept the entertainment flowing along.
The evening kicked off with Rahan ceolthas featuring some talented musicians, singers and dancers under the guidance of Joe Monaghan. The young hurlers’ moment of glory came when each was called up for the medal presentation made by outgoing clan chieftain Marion Gunn. Colt captain, Keith Delaney accepted the Lalor Cup, presented by Paddy Lalor and his family from Ballycarroll. Team manager Tony Ryan said he was honoured to have his team involved with such as historic name as the " Leathlobhair.
Several other acts entertained over the rest of the evening. These included champion flute player, Robert Harvey from Camross, Michael Creagh with a variety of poetry and verse, and Matthew Clancy with his songs and guitar playing. The night came to a close with a sketch from Portlaoise PTAA featuring Paddy Lalor, Kathleen Cleary and Andy McQuillan.
The second day got underway with the clan AGM with people travelling from as far away as Australia, America and England to attend. Clan chairman Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick welcomed all to the meeting, while secretary Mary Mahony gave her report.
The election of officers took place. They were: Clan life members Tom Lalor (Clare), Richard Lalor (Camross), Annie Lalor (Camross); chair-man/PRO Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick; vice-chairman PJ Lalor; minutes secretary Mary Mahony; correspondence secretary Annie Lalor; assistant secretary Mary Lalor-Fitzpatrick; treasurer Paddy Lalor; assistant treasurer Richard Lalor; Clans of Ireland representatives Marion Gunn and Paddy Lalor (Dublin). Committee: Tom Lawlor, John Lalor, David Lawlor, Ursula Lawlor, Carole Lalor Millard, Alan Millard, Michael Lalor MCC, Marion Gunn, Peter Philp (Australia) and Michael Lalor (USA).
Following lunch the clan went on a tour of the Slieve Blooms and Kinnity, stopping off in Cadamstown for refreshments. Local historians Paddy Lowry and Paddy Heaney acted as guides for the tour. There was another stop in Mountrath where clan members cheered on Laois in their victory over Tyrone.
Later that night it was the Clan banquet and the election of this year’s Clan chieftain. After all guests were wined and dined Clan chairman Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick introduced the two gentlemen who would contest the position - Paddy Lalor from Portlaoise and Alan Millard from Abbeyleix.
After a tight vote, as is the Clan tradition, Mountmellick piper Bill Geogeghan piped in the new chieftain Paddy Lalor. Outgoing chieftain Marion Gunn handed over the clan cloak and staff to Mr Lalor. His first function was to present Ms Gunn with her chieftain’s certificate.
Ms Gunn presented the clan with an official O'Leathlobhair flag, sponsored by E.G. Teo, on behalf of her late mother, Sarah Lalor Gunn. Ms Gunn along with John and Margaret Eldon, representing the family handed over the flag to Kevin and Richard Lalor Fitzpatrick and Mary Mahony.
Mr Lalor said it was a great honour to have been selected as chieftain. “It is something I had never imagined. I am a very proud man tonight and will always be proud to be an O'Leathlobhair,” said Mr Lalor.
The O'Leathlobhair chant, Mac Gilla Mar, was sung by Diarmuid Cassidy and dedicated to the new chieftain.

The weekend came to an end with morning prayer in Ballyroan where Canon Patrick Harvey welcomed the congregation to his church followed by lunch in the hotel.